What is it that makes the UVRC such a special club? There are many things, but first and foremost, I would argue, it’s all of you, our amazing members. I’ve had the pleasure of leading the Saturday morning runs for the past year or so, and there are a few examples that stand out in my mind.
One of the themes I repeatedly hear from people is that Saturday morning runs are the most inclusive running club group run they’ve ever been to. And that is thanks to you all who established a culture of inclusivity long before I joined the club and continue to do so each and every week. There is no pace or distance requirement, explicit or implicit, to participate. You welcome new members from all different running backgrounds with open arms and make them feel a part of the club.
Back in May, I went on a family trip and was once again reminded of how awesome our members are. I was leaving the Saturday morning run leaderless and, more importantly, muffinless, since our resident baker, who also happens to be my mom, was part of the family trip. But as always, you all stepped up and not only volunteered to lead the run in my absence but supplied a veritable buffet of post-run treats.
I could provide a litany of other examples, from volunteering at local races to writing an article for our monthly newsletter. So thank you all for the part you play, however big or small, in making the UVRC the wonderful club I feel so fortunate to be a part of.